Last Minute Tips To Maximize Holiday Sales

It’s official – it’s crunch time! The countdown to Christmas is more than half way over, which means your season to shine and sell is almost over. But it’s not over just yet. Here are a few last minute tips to help you maximize your holiday sales this season.

1. Bring Out All Your Inventory. The day might be over and you may be ready for bed, but take the time to clear out your stock room and get everything displayed. Customers may not ask if you have something else in stock in another size, color or in general – so instead, have it out and let them see it on their own. Plus, when the season is over, you will be more thankful you have less inventory and more sales.

2. Surprise Your Customers. Walk-in customers love finding something unexpected when they walk into a store – and we aren’t just referring to inventory. Beyond great product, offer your customers a festive drink, a holiday themed snack, a free gift with purchase, an unexpected percentage off a purchase or even a visit with Santa. Get creative here! This is an opportunity for you to have fun and share this fun with your customers, too. Another perk? It just might keep them in your store longer – shopping, of course.

3. Celebrate Last Minute Shoppers. No need to make these folks feel more stressed about waiting to the last minute… instead, celebrate their tardiness in shopping and make it a celebration! Have a “Last Minute Shopping Party” that includes everything they will need to make buying from you easy… gift wrapping, gift cards and shipping. Plus, offer them drinks and treats to keep them happy while they shop. Make this a full day affair or start your last minute celebration now. To really make it special, add in some discounts of sales. Another thought? For every item they buy, they get 5% off. 1 item = 5% off. 2 items = 10% off and so on. Cap it out where ever you feel comfortable.

4. Bundle Your Items. Take some items that are complimentary and group them together to make a unique gift. Put them in a basket, dish or other catch-all item, then display them as one collective purchase. Price the bundle with a discounted rate versus if you were to buy everything a-la-carte. The convenience of this is great for last minute shoppers – plus bundle buys are fun purchases and great gifts alike.

5. Encourage Gift Cards. Last minute shoppers are often last minute because they don’t know what they want to even buy to begin with. Remind every customer that walks through your door that you offer gift cards (and if you don’t… please make it a goal to soon). Promoting this through employee communication is great, but go a step further and put sign throughout your merchandising that identifies this, as well. For example – “Not Sure What To Give As A Gift? Get a Gift Card!”.

Finally, lean heavily on local marketing, social media and your current customer base through email blasts to gain additional foot traffic to your store. And as always, enjoy this season! You’ve worked hard, we’re sure!